Art expo to feature 'best of the best' from the west suburbs

West Suburban Consortium for Academic / Handout

The third annual WSCAE student art expo, which runs from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. April 29 at Cheney Mansion, 220 N. Euclid Ave. in Oak Park, will feature artwork by students from 15 suburban school districts.

The third annual WSCAE student art expo, which runs from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. April 29 at Cheney Mansion, 220 N. Euclid Ave. in Oak Park, will feature artwork by students from 15 suburban school districts. (West Suburban Consortium for Academic / Handout)

Marta Kozbur said students began asking about the upcoming West Suburban Consortium for Academic Excellence art show last September.

"Every year, it just seems to get better and the kids get more excited," said Kozbur, an elementary art teacher with River Forest School District 90. "This is something so many kids love to do, and they're excited there's an art day."

The third annual WSCAE student art expo, which runs from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. April 29 at Cheney Mansion, 220 N. Euclid Ave. in Oak Park, features more than 500 pieces of artwork by students from 15 suburban school districts.

Districts participating include Butler District 53, Community Consolidated School District 181, Franklin Park District 84, Gower District 62, La Grange Highlands District 106, Hillside District 93, Komarek District 94, La Grange District 105, La Grange District 102, Oak Park District 97, Pleasantdale District 107, Riverside District 96, River Forest District 90, Union Ridge District 86 and Western Springs District 101.

David Katzin, superintendent of Franklin Park School District 84, said the number of pieces a district contributes is proportional to its population size. He said districts that participate in WSCAE band together to pursue opportunities for children.

"It's just an exciting opportunity for young artists, to have their art displayed in another town," said Kyle Schumacher, superintendent of La Grange District 102, which is participating in the show for the first time.

Kozbur said anticipation for the event builds early. Children have become more aware of their art and are more interested in what others are working on, too, she said.

West Suburban Consortium for Academic / Handout

The third annual WSCAE student art expo, which runs from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. April 29 at Cheney Mansion, 220 N. Euclid Ave. in Oak Park, will feature artwork by students from 15 suburban school districts.

The third annual WSCAE student art expo, which runs from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. April 29 at Cheney Mansion, 220 N. Euclid Ave. in Oak Park, will feature artwork by students from 15 suburban school districts. (West Suburban Consortium for Academic / Handout)

The event brings residents of nearby suburbs to Oak Park, and peers of those whose work is in the show stop by to support friends. Kozbur said art teachers have made their own connections at the show and created community within community.

"It's just sort of a really nice celebration of the arts," said Dianne Washburn, middle school art teacher for Pleasantdale District 107. Students understand it's a big deal: "Only the best of the best stuff is in it," she added.

As art teachers for each district make their selections for the show, Jenny Raia, art teacher at Longfellow School in Oak Park District 97, said they consider the quality of students' work and look for exceptional pieces, but also think about overall progress they've seen from certain students.

"Sometimes, it's just finding the kid who you know has made a lot of growth through the year," Raia said.

The Oak Park Art League gets involved, too, having professional artists sketch, sculpt and paint on the property during the event. They also offer thoughts and praise on the students' work through postcards left in a "mailbox," which are later delivered to the student artists.

Julie Carpenter, executive director of OPAL, said it's fun to see a lot of mentoring occurring organically. Last year, as professional artists sketched or painted models, some students pulled out their notebooks, too, and began to sketch. Artists enjoy seeing excitement from the younger crowd, she added.

"It's really a wonderful way for us to be involved," Carpenter said.

Having the Cheney Mansion and its gardens serve as the backdrop adds to the special appeal of the event, Raia added.

"It really elevates the experience, to bring it outside of the classroom and into the community," she said. "That'll be something they'll never forget."